Bid to have planning hearing delayed fails

Some of the mature trees overlooking Christine McKindless's garden that objectors feel could be under threat.

Published:16:41Thursday 07 July 2016

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Objectors to plans to build houses on the former Strathclyde Hospital site have failed in a bid to have a planning hearing postponed.

On June 15 North Lanarkshire Council’s planning committee agreed a hearing for Bellway Homes’ application to construct 92 homes will take place on July 21.

However, with many of the objectors, who mainly live in Alexander Gibson Way and Thomson Drive, set to be on holiday it was hoped the hearing could take place at a later date.

Christine McKindless said: “On June 15 we asked for, and thankfully were granted, a hearing. However we feel it has been rushed as it is due to take place when the majority of residents will be on holiday. We asked for this to be postponed, however our request has been declined.

“This land is currently classed as ‘Community’ land and as such we fundamentally believe it is contrary to planning policy. As we have been informed we currently don’t have a housing shortage in Motherwell, then we believe this land could be put to better use.

“In addition should this proposal go ahead 150 beautiful trees will have to be destroyed, trees that are not only healthy, but have been covered by council preservation orders for over 20 years.”

A spokesperson for the council claimed it would be “inappropriate” to delay the hearing.

They said: “There is a requirement for planning authorities to determine planning applications timeously, without unnecessary delay.

“As the application was continued at the June meeting of the committee it is considered that it would be inappropriate to delay consideration until August when there is the opportunity to have the hearing sooner.”

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